Connecticut House Bill HB05771

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/17
• Refer: 1/17/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Removable Windshield Placards For Certain Veterans.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would facilitate enhanced accessibility for veterans facing mental health challenges. The issuance of removable placards would provide veterans with the ability to park in designated areas more easily, promoting a sense of independence and reducing barriers that may exist due to their conditions. Supporters argue that this bill acknowledges the real impacts of mental health issues and extends the necessary accommodations to those in need.

Summary

House Bill 05771 proposes amendments to section 14-253a of the general statutes, allowing veterans diagnosed with mental impairments, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to obtain removable windshield placards. This change is aimed at improving accessibility for these veterans by permitting them to use parking spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities. The bill highlights recognition of mental health conditions as qualifying for benefits typically associated with physical disabilities.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise around the bill's classification of mental impairments alongside more traditionally recognized physical disabilities. Critics may question the criteria for determining eligibility for these placards and whether it could lead to misuse. The discussion may also focus on the broader implications of recognizing mental health conditions in the context of disability rights and accommodations.